Acetaminophen Recall

There may be a hidden danger in your medicine cabinet. One of the largest makers of the most popular over-the-counter pain reliever has issued a major product recall.

When Americans have pain, many reach for acetaminophen. One of the largest manufacturers of the generic version of the drug says taking the pills could be painful.

The Michigan-based Perrigo company is voluntarily recalling 11 million bottles of the pain and fever reducer, after discovering small metal fragments embedded in the medication. The unknown metal ranges is size from microdots to wire one third of an inch long.

Perrigo is recalling 500 milligram caplets from more than 100 retailers including Wal-Mart, Publix and CVS, which carry the pills under their own brand names. Perrigo told the FDA about the problem last Wednesday, but did not issue the recall until this morning.

The FDA says there is only a remote risk for serious health problems. Still, the agency warns consumers that if taken, the pills could cause “minor stomach discomfort” and “cuts to the mouth or throat.” So far, there have been no reported injuries.

The recall includes pills manufactured as far back as three years ago. The FDA has posted the affected batch numbers on their website. Consumers can go there to see if the batch number on their bottle should be returned to the manufacturer.

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